Dinner

Viral Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Introduction

The Viral Chopped Italian Sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying take on the classic Italian sub. Packed with layers of deli meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, it comes together quickly and offers a delicious medley of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
6 slices provolone cheese
6 slices ham
6 slices pepperoni
6 slices salami
1 large tomato, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup banana peppers
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/3 cup pitted green olives
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: On a large cutting board, layer the shredded lettuce, provolone cheese slices, ham, pepperoni, salami, tomato slices, red onion, and banana peppers, starting with the lettuce at the bottom.
Step 2: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and pitted green olives on top of the layered ingredients.
Step 3: Using a sharp kitchen knife, chop all the ingredients together until you achieve bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Sprinkle the mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chopped mixture.
Step 5: Chop and mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a spicy kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Spoon the mixture into hoagie buns or any sandwich bread of your choice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the buns lightly before adding the filling.
Swap provolone with mozzarella or slices of sharp cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
Add fresh basil or oregano for a brighter herbaceous note.
Use pepperoncini instead of banana peppers if you prefer a spicier tang.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meats and adding grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

Storage

Store any leftover chopped Italian sandwich mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, it’s best eaten within this time to maintain texture and flavor. Reheat is not recommended; instead, enjoy cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sandwich held by a woman's hand showing five main layers: the soft, light tan sandwich bun with a smooth texture forms the base and top; the next layer is a mix of chopped deli meats in pale pink and small red bits; atop this is a colorful layer of chopped vegetables including bright yellow pepper rings, small red tomatoes, green celery pieces, and sliced green olives, all mixed with a light dressing that gives a moist, shiny look; some dried herbs are sprinkled on top adding a speckled green detail. The background shows a white marbled surface partially covered with more sandwiches and a blurry pile of light golden potato chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this sandwich filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. Give it a quick stir before serving. For the freshest texture, add the mixture to the bread right before eating.

What types of bread work best for this sandwich?

Hoagie rolls or sub buns work perfectly due to their sturdy texture, but you can also use ciabatta, baguettes, or even sandwich rolls. Choose a bread that can hold the moist, chopped filling without becoming soggy.